The Orashi National Congress (ONC), the apex socio-cultural body of the four Orashi Local Government Areas - Abua/Odual, Ahoada West, Ahoada East and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni - has commended Rivers State Governor, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, for providing financial assistance to victims of the recent flood disaster in the state.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Orashi people and signed by its President General, Amb. Comrade Emeni Ibe, JP, AP, the group described the intervention as humane, timely and people-centered.
The Congress also lauded the Rivers State Flood Prevention and Management Committee, led by the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, DSSRS, for coordinating the relief effort.
According to the statement, the Orashi region, which lies within the lower Niger basin, remains one of the worst-hit areas during every flooding season, with many communities in Orashi, Engenni and Abua still submerged and farmlands, homes and livelihoods destroyed.
"The provision of financial assistance to victims affected by the recent devastating floods across the state is a clear demonstration of responsive, compassionate and people-centered leadership," the ONC stated.
"This intervention from the Governor will go a long way in giving hope and succour to our displaced mothers, fathers and children."
The group particularly thanked Prof. Odu for what it described as her motherly and efficient coordination of the Committee, noting that her leadership shows the government listens to ordinary Rivers people.
ONC Position:
The Orashi National Congress declared total support for all flood prevention and management efforts of the Rivers State Government.
It called on the Flood Prevention and Management Committee to ensure the financial assistance reaches the real victims in the hinterlands, especially the most vulnerable communities in Orashi that are often forgotten.
It further urged people of Orashi to continue to support the administration of Gov. Fubara, who, according to the group, has shown that Orashi is at the heart of his NEW Rivers State agenda.
"On behalf of the Orashi people, we say thank you to our Talk-and-Do Governor," the statement added.